DESIGN-ASSIST

ON TIME | WITHIN BUDGET

At MG McGrath Architectural Glass & Glazing, we feel it is critical to collaborate with the project team in an effort to develop a complete and functional design from start to finish. We are capable of creating a flawless, unique design that can withstand the elements of nature and time. MG McGrath Architectural Glass & Glazing design team is known for thinking outside the box and making the impossible a reality.

OUR APPROACH TO DESIGN-ASSIST

At MG McGrath Architectural Glass & Glazing, the first step in our Design-Assist process is to work with the project owners, architects, and construction managers to define the intent for the job and establish criteria for product life cycle, performance, system type and aesthetics. We will then complete a constructibility review of the façade system to ensure that it is cost effective and energy efficient, as well as provide component concepts to maintain or enhance the architectural design and performance. By utilizing several suppliers and manufacturers, we will prepare an accurate cost comparison of the interior and exterior façade systems, and architectural materials, and we will assist with value management options (i.e. panel type, system, material, gauge, finish and attachment method). As part of our process, our shop drawings are produced with Catia and Autodesk software’s with 3D modeling and virtual design and construction (VDC) capabilities. Details are evaluated using THERM 5.2 thermal modeling software developed by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and shop drawings are engineered for system performance. This will help with interfacing details, added efficiency of the system, elimination of construction conflicts, and long term performance of the building.

Another very important part of the architectural Design-Assist process is site analysis. We will conduct a thorough review of the project’s site, facilities, egress, and storage areas. After doing so, we provide our customers with a complete means and methods plan, which identifies equipment access and any loading imposed on the projects, structure and site. To ensure that we meet the projected timeline of the project, we provide a complete resource loaded schedule for the entire scope of the project, identifying predecessors, sequence of work, and critical path items.

ADVANTAGES OF EARLY INVOLVEMENT

MG McGrath Architectural Glass & Glazing is committed to quality on every project that we are involved in. Known for expertise and ingenuity, our team has successfully implemented desired systems, or systems comparable to ones that would exceed project budget, on many projects contracted during the design phase. Throughout our process, value engineering options will be investigated, such as simplifying backup systems or attachment methods, similar materials, and engineering, without sacrificing quality. We provide conceptual drawings with budget pricing and associated potential risk analysis and, by providing thermal models early in the design phase, we are able to eliminate issues and vulnerable areas that would otherwise require corrective design changes later in the process.